The City Council voted 3-2 for an outright pot ban, ultimately siding with city staff over concerns about the secondary effects of marijuana facilities -- namely burglary, robbery and the sale of illegal drugs, particularly to youngsters.

Cannabis proponents have countered by saying that dispensaries, if operated and regulated appropriately, could generate much-needed revenue for the city.

The restriction stops dispensaries, mobile delivery service and cultivation, but does not prevent qualified patients from getting marijuana in very limited situations, such as licensed clinics, hospices and nursing homes for patients with chronic life-threatening illnesses.

Ed Breslin, the United Food and Commercial Workers union's national coordinator for cannabis and hemp, said a dispensary would create 10 jobs in the city. Over 200 Antioch residents go to a dispensary in Hercules, he said.

Tiscareno and Rocha said they wanted to explore more of the possible economic benefits.

The majority of the council said that the distribution of cannabis should be done through more proper channels such as pharmacies.

Using marijuana -- even for medicinal purposes -- is illegal under federal law. This conflicts with a state law approved by voters in 1996, which allows residents with certain medical conditions to use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation.

Pittsburg's city council Tuesday night approved a similar ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries. That ordinance comes back before the council for final approval Feb. 19.